Warning: contains a preview of Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2!Ultraman - DC's dark opposite of Superman from the 'mirror image' Earth-3 - is returning to the DC Universe in a big way. Ultraman is the Superman of Earth-3, but a far more twisted, evil version who leads the Crime Syndicate of America, aka the evil Justice League. Until recently, Ultraman was the unquestioned ruler of Earth-3, where he kept Superman's son Jon Kent imprisoned for years as his unwilling confidante. Although Jon eventually escaped, he was deprived of precious time with his family, and exposed to significant trauma by a twisted version of his father.
In unveiling Clayton Henry's cover art for Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2, Tom Taylor has now confirmed via Twitter that Ultraman will be making his long-awaited return in the upcoming series. Taylor did not divulge information regarding what Ultraman's new role in Jon Kent's life will be, but did make sure to tease that "the secret of this whole series has yet to be revealed." The issue will be written by Taylor and drawn by Clayton Henry.
Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent was announced late last year during New York Comic-Con as a six-part miniseries. The first issue is expected to drop in March 2023. The series will seemingly see Jon Kent wielding new electric powers, and at the center of a multiversal mystery. The recent Action Comics #1050 ended with Val Zod - the Superman of Earth 2 - in the middle of a multiversal investigation that promises to be continued in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent. With Ultraman also from an alternate reality, it's clear the scope of Jon's adventures is about to expand.
Ultraman Is the Perfect Nemesis for Jon
Considering Ultraman's prior history with Jon Kent, it is possible that Ultraman is the mysterious culprit who Val Zod alluded to, who seems to be killing every possible Superman in every possible universe. Interestingly, Amanda Waller recently seized control of Earth-3 from the Crime Syndicate, potentially explaining why Ultraman is lashing out and adrift in the multiverse, bereft of his usual resources and allies.
Jon's relationship with Ultraman is ripe for exploration. While previous stories suggest Ultraman kept him prisoner for years, this was related by Jon himself, and it's possible that the evil version of his father tried to corrupt him, and could know secrets about Jon no-one else does. Even if not, Ultraman is the perfect nemesis for Jon, matching his power like few others can, and having 'raised' him in a certain sick sense. Whatever the nature of Ultraman's return, Tom Taylor has made it clear there are plenty of secrets still to be revealed when Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #2 hits comic shelves April 4.
Source: Tom Taylor